A NATION CHALLENGED

A NATION CHALLENGED; Rumbling Hooves In a Furious Game

Published: December 30, 2001

Buzkashi is a frenzied contest dating back to the days of Genghis Khan in which teams of horsemen fight for control of a goat or calf carcass. It was Afghanistan's national game before the Taliban banned it. Now it has returned to Babrak's Field in Kabul. In a recent contest, the riders battled for honor, and money collected from the spectators.

The game begins with two teams, but with all the money going to the rider who manages to deposit the carcass in a circle on the ground, it soon becomes every man for himself. The carcass usually weighs about 150 pounds. To free his hands, a rider often holds the horse's reins with his teeth.

In the end, Aziz Ahammad, below right, prevailed and rode off with the prize money.